Outreach and community engagement

A child looking closely at a painting while holding a magnifying glass, other adults are standing behind them.

Taking the People's Palace on the road

A series of outreach activities has been held as part of the project. As a result, we’ve engaged with over 2,000 people.

The events have helped to strengthen relationships with community partners. They've also allowed us to build new partnerships with groups and communities across Glasgow.

Pop-Up Palace sessions

Our learning team has delivered 75 "Pop-Up Palace" sessions across Glasgow. These have engaged 4,176 people and given them the chance to handle objects from the People's Palace collection. They've also got involved in creative, wellbeing and play-based activities.

Sessions have focused on a wide variety of topics linked to Glasgow's social history. They've raised awareness of the project and kept people engaged while the venue is closed. We've also carried out light-touch consultations on different topics and objects.

Bringing the collection to the public

Two children holding colourful crafts behind a display case with large banana-shaped boots.
Two children enjoy crafts at a Pop-Up Palace Session.
Child examines historic objects at a museum table while taking part in a hands-on activity.
A young child handling objects from the collection.
Visitors view decorative tile samples as a member of staff leads a museum outreach session.
People getting to know more about the collection at an outreach event in Bridgeton Library.

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Banana boots on display

Billy Connolly's banana boots were part of a special Pop-Up Palace session. The event at St Enoch celebrated 50 years since he first wore them on stage in 1975.

It was a rare chance for people to see the iconic footwear. Those attending also had a chance to meet curators and try out crafts.

Raising awareness of the People's Palace project

The outreach events have helped to raise awareness of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens project. They've taken place across the city, including in the east end near the museum.

Bridgeton Library held an event in 2025 featuring craft activities, archival images, and objects. There was also a walking tour of Glasgow Green and a consultation on early architectural plans and gallery content.

One of our partners, PEEK, hosted an international family play day. This event also had a consultation and Billy Connolly-themed crafts. People could also enjoy old toys and games and handle objects from the collection.

Take a look at some of our outreach events

Guide speaking to a small group beside a stone statue with a pigeon perched on its head in a leafy park.
A walking tour of Glasgow Green as part of an east end outreach event.
Adult and children skipping rope together on grass at a community outdoor play event.
Kids having fun during a play day hosted by partners.
Adult leading a craft session as children cut and glue colourful paper at a library table.
Young people enjoying craft activities at an outreach event.
Large outdoor community play day with crowds, activity tents and a PEEK van on a sports field and running track.
Crownpoint athletics track hosted an international play day for families.